UK site

We’re open now until 6.00pm

Birkenhead House

Map
Images
Video

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo South Africa Price guide: £££££

Birkenhead House is a luxurious and superbly elegant boutique hotel perched high on the clifftops overlooking Walker Bay. Ideally located for in-season whale watching, this manor house combines 18^th century antiques with beach-house décor to form one of the most stylish options on South Africa’s southern coast.

Enquire

ENQUIRE ABOUT Birkenhead House

Perfect for

A true taste of South African seaside living - for people seeking a slice of ultimate luxury.

In the know

Best whale viewing is between June and November.
Classically beautiful suites padded with 18^th century antiques.
Offers a creative mix of modern African and Asian cuisine.
Has a glorious list of relaxing spa treatments.
Only a short drive from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, where you can sample the superb and locally produced Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs.

ENQUIRE ABOUT Birkenhead House

Recommended for...

Setting & Views

Honeymoon

Luxury Hotel

Peace & Quiet

Sense of place

Flanked by two beach coves and facing the sea, the Birkenhead House is set on the beachside cliffs at the far end of Hermanus.

Read More Read Less

Rooms at Birkenhead House

Classic, charming and sophisticated, Birkenhead House has 11 individually designed suites, each decorated with classic pieces collected from the travels of owner, Liz Biden, including French four-poster beds, freestanding Victorian baths and glittering bedroom chandeliers.
Room 4 has marvellous views of the sea - which can be viewed from the private balcony, the plush king-sized bed framed by a gold headboard and from the hand-carved antique chairs – making it one of our favourite suites.

Read More Read Less

Food and drink

Birkenhead House offers a host of culinary creations with a delicate mix of modern African cuisine with strong Asian and Italian influences. Lit by lanterns, the terrace is an oasis dining room for summer evenings, where you can enjoy exotic meals of vanilla and butternut soup followed by a desert of tempura strawberries with homemade ice cream.

Read More Read Less

Facilities

For those looking to truly while away the stresses and strains, head for the ‘Lavender’ and ‘Cinnamon’ rooms to indulge in a medley of relaxing massage, aromatherapy and reflexology treatments. As well as a spa, the hotel has two small swimming pools – the best one is set right on the lip of the sea facing terrace.

Read More Read Less

Activities at Birkenhead House

Hermanus is the whale watching capital of South Africa and a stay at Birkenhead House (between the months of June and November) means you’ll have these incredible creatures right on your door step. Voyage around Dyer Island, kayak along the coast or for a pulse raising adventure, head under the ocean (in a cage, of course) to come face to face with one of nature's most feared predators in an exhilarating shark dive.
Join the chefs one morning as they forage for shellfish in the shallows of Walker Bay and then learn the art of cooking mussels to perfection on an open fire.

Read More Read Less

Best time to go

Best time to travel

Good time to travel (but some limitations)

Travel is possible (but it’s not the best time)

Travel is not recommended

Best time to go

Jan-Mar , Oct-Dec

MAP & PRACTICAL

1.5 hours from Cape Town International Airport.

START PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP... call our team on 020 7337 9010 Make an enquiry now

Stay at this hotel on these trips

FLAGSHIP SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa in Exsus Signature Style

South Africa

From £9,850 per person

Best for: First-timers, Food & Wine, Landscapes & Scenery, Train Journey

FLAGSHIP SOUTH AFRICA

13 nights VIEW THIS ITINERARY

MORE PLACES TO STAY IN Garden Route & Little Karoo

karoo-lodge-entrance-driveway-samara-reserve_314_179

Samara Private Game Reserve

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ £100-£200 per person per night

Overlooking an amphitheatre of dramatic, purple-hued mountains and vast heartland, the Samara Private Game Reserve offers an exclusive malaria-free safari in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo. Home to cheetah, rhino and the rare aardvark, the 27,000 hectare reserve only ever has a maximum of 30 guests at one time, meaning you’ll go out on bush walks and game drives and seeing nothing but rare wildlife and superb landscapes.

Best for: Setting & Views, Eco-tourism, Family-friendly, Guiding

Samara Private Game Reserve

VIEW THIS HOTEL

Morukuru Ocean House

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ £200-£350 per person per night

Wrap yourself in luxury at the gorgeous Morukuru Ocean House, which is located along South Africa’s southern coast, surrounded by over 50km of beach, sand dunes and caves, and thousands of acres of savannah teeming with birds and animals. Part of the unique Morukuru Family Experience, properties that operate on an exclusive use basis, at Ocean House you have the entire property to yourself and personal staff to attend to your every whim.

Best for: Private Villa, Seriously special, Setting & Views, Chic Design

Morukuru Ocean House

VIEW THIS HOTEL

African Relish

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ Less than £100 per person per night

African Relish is a cookery school in the South African town of Prince Albert, which provides comfortable accommodation at Deuerdrift 2, a bungalow cottage. Purpose-built to allow guests to explore the secrets of South African and international cuisine in depth and at their own pace, African Relish offers a one-off travel experience and is a great choice for anyone looking to brush up on their cookery skills.

Best for: Food & Wine, Secret / In the Know, Cultural Immersion, Guesthouse or Inn

African Relish

VIEW THIS HOTEL

Emily Moon

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ Less than £100 per person per night

Emily Moon is a unique, homely boutique hotel in the wilds of South Africa’s famous Garden Route, with 10 beautiful lodges spread around a beautiful garden and a distinctly colonial air. The owners run a boutique antique and artefact store in Johannesburg, and their sense of quirky style and love of unique decorative items is evident everywhere you look here.

Best for: Peace & Quiet, Romantic, Service & Hospitality, Water activities

Emily Moon

VIEW THIS HOTEL

The Marine

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ £100-£200 per person per night

The Marine is a luxury hotel near the town of Hermanus in the Western Cape, the perfect sophisticated base for exploring the natural beauty of this region on land and by sea. For over a century this hotel has been welcoming guests, who flock to watch whales between June and November.

Best for: Setting & Views, Food & Wine, Honeymoon, Luxury Hotel

The Marine

VIEW THIS HOTEL

Turbine Hotel & Spa

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ £100-£200 per person per night

The Turbine is a boutique luxury design hotel in Thesen Island in South Africa’s famously scenic Garden Route. Set in a former power station, the hotel has an edgy, contemporary feel, with many of the facility’s original features having been kept as unique design pieces. A range of outdoor activities are on offer courtesy of the Turbine Water Club.

Best for: Food & Wine, Spa & Wellness, Boutique Hotel, Chic Design

Turbine Hotel & Spa

VIEW THIS HOTEL

Grootbos

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ £200-£350 per person per night

Grootbos is a remote eco-reserve on the South African coastline set within 1,700 hectares of protected land, with an abundance of wildlife, stunning landscapes and access to some of the Cape's most secluded and beautiful beaches. With two lodges to choose from at Grootbos, it is ideal for both families and couples alike.

Best for: Eco-tourism, Setting & Views, Family-friendly, Honeymoon

Grootbos

VIEW THIS HOTEL

Ocean Eleven Guest House

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ Less than £100 per person per night

Well-placed to view the migrating whales in Walker Bay, Ocean Eleven Guest House has one of the most sought-after locations in the quaint coastal town of Hermanus. Perched on the fynbos-covered clifftop with uninterrupted panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, this small, owner-run guesthouse offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of whale-watching country.

Best for: Setting & Views, Chic Design, Guesthouse or Inn, Wildlife & Nature

Ocean Eleven Guest House

VIEW THIS HOTEL

Kurland

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ £200-£350 per person per night

Kurland is that rare gem, a family friendly hotel that doesn’t compromise on the luxury or comfort of its adult guests. Set amongst 1,700 acres of gardens and polo fields, this is a peaceful relaxing retreat to explore the Garden Route from.

Best for: Family-friendly, Food & Wine, Luxury Hotel, Riding

Kurland

VIEW THIS HOTEL

The Manor House Fancourt Estate

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ £200-£350 per person per night

The epitome of romance, The Manor House boutique hotel is the crown of the Fancourt Estate. A National Monument, the 140-year-old house has been meticulous remodelled, still in keeping with its historical counterpart, whilst adding a distinctive 21^st century luxury atmosphere. With 18 stylish suites, the hotel exudes five-star service with a personalised butler and first-class amenities.

Best for: Honeymoon, Peace & Quiet, Romantic, Spa & Wellness

The Manor House Fancourt Estate

VIEW THIS HOTEL

Tsala Treetop Lodge

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ £200-£350 per person per night

Amongst a crop of farm-style guesthouses and hotels in pretty seaside towns, Tsalas offers something different - a treehouse lodge in the bush.

Best for: Honeymoon, Lodge, Romantic, Setting & Views

Tsala Treetop Lodge

VIEW THIS HOTEL

De Kelders Private Villa

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ £100-£200 per person per night

This ravishing boutique property is something straight out of an interior design magazine. De Kelders Private Villa has graced the pages of Elle Decoration, House & Garden and many more, unsurprisingly given the thoughtful design that incorporates uniquely crafted items in a creative setting, while at the same time making you feel right at home.

Best for: Chic Design, Hideaway, Private Groups, Family-friendly

De Kelders Private Villa

VIEW THIS HOTEL

The Plettenberg

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ £100-£200 per person per night

Sitting proudly on craggy headland, with views of South Africa’s stunning coastline, The Plettenberg is perfectly located for Garden Route adventure. It’s also wonderfully relaxing, thanks to the exceptional Relais and Chateaux staff.

Best for: Beach, Food & Wine, Luxury Hotel, Setting & Views

The Plettenberg

VIEW THIS HOTEL

Schoone Oordt Country House

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Price guide: £££££ Less than £100 per person per night

Framed by the picturesque Langeberg Mountains, this Victorian guest house finds itself surrounded by pretty rose gardens, water fountains and towering oak trees on a quiet street in historic Swellendam. Just a two-hour drive from Cape Town, it is the perfect stop along the Garden Route.

Best for: Food & Wine, Guesthouse or Inn, Service & Hospitality, Setting & Views

Schoone Oordt Country House

VIEW THIS HOTEL

MORE PLACES TO STAY IN Garden Route & Little Karoo

Not ready to travel? Sign up for future inspiration

Receive articles, offers and travel suggestions from our specialists.

Ultimate Journeys
Bespoke Honeymoons
Family Adventures
Barefoot Luxury
Close-Up Wildlife Encounters

Cookie Policy

Birkenhead House

Perfect for

In the know

Recommended for...

Sense of place

Rooms at Birkenhead House

Food and drink

Facilities

Activities at Birkenhead House

Best time to go

Best time to go

MAP & PRACTICAL

South Africa in Exsus Signature Style

FLAGSHIP SOUTH AFRICA

Samara Private Game Reserve

Morukuru Ocean House

African Relish

Emily Moon

The Marine

Turbine Hotel & Spa

Grootbos

Ocean Eleven Guest House

Kurland

The Manor House Fancourt Estate

Tsala Treetop Lodge

De Kelders Private Villa

The Plettenberg

Schoone Oordt Country House

Not ready to travel? Sign up for future inspiration

Receive articles, offers and travel suggestions from our specialists.